-
1
Heat the oven to 250 degrees F (225 degrees F if you have a convection oven).
-
2
Line two sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
3
In a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, beat the egg whites on low to medium-low speed until they form soft peaks, 2 to 3 minutes.
-
4
Increase the speed to medium and beat in the sugar 1 teaspoon at a time.
-
5
Beat until the mixture is glossy and thick; it will resemble marshmallow cream.
-
6
Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape any meringue off the whisk.
-
7
Sift the cornstarch over the meringue, add the vinegar and vanilla, and gently fold until everything is incorporated.
-
8
Dip a very large spoon into warm water.
-
9
Let excess water drip off, then scoop into the meringue.
-
10
Drop the meringue onto one of the prepared pans; the shape of the spoon is oval, so when you place the meringue on the sheet pan, it should resemble a jumbo egg.
-
11
Continue scooping, rinsing the spoon in warm water after every scoop for neat, smooth meringues.
-
12
Bake the meringues into the oven and bake until they are very light and dry and easily lift off the pan, at least 90 minutes.
-
13
If they start to color slightly, lower the oven by at least 25 degrees F. Don't rush the meringues; when in doubt, leave them in longer.
-
14
Turn off the oven (don't open the door).
-
15
Let the meringues cool slowly in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
-
16
Remove the pans from the cool oven.
-
17
The meringues are ready to be filled when totally cooled.
-
18
Fit a piping bag with a doughnut-filling tip or a plain number 5, 6 or 7 tip.
-
19
Fill the bag with the Nutella or (or chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch pudding).
-
20
Flip each egg over and, with a melon baller, make a hole just large enough for the tip of the piping bag to fit.
-
21
Squeeze the filling into an egg just until you can see that it's starting to come out.
-
22
Flip the egg onto a serving platter.
-
23
Continue until all the eggs are filled.
-
24
Instant birthday party!
-
25
Mark my words, this will become the new birthday cake.
